Welcome!

My name is Joel Sonkin, and I spent a decade in the business world in New York City before going back to school to pursue a career in education. I studied for my master’s degrees in international relations and history at Columbia and NYU before I moved to Arizona—where my wife is from—a couple years ago to be with family.

I am a bit of a homebody, as I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family, along with our three relentless, big-hearted dogs. Nonetheless, I love the mountains, and so I try to go on a rock or ice climbing expedition every year, usually in Wyoming or the Canadian Rockies—and occasionally in other parts of the world. 

Educational Philosophy

My role as an educator is to inspire a love of learning and help students learn to live virtuous lives. I act as a guide in the joyful pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. 

Favorite Quote

“Dispositions of the mind, like limbs of the body, require strength by exercise.” 

–Thomas Jefferson